According to a memo obtained by Fox News, Trump's legal team claims the raid was carried out with "clear intent to engage in political persecution."

The lawsuit targets the DOJ for its conduct during the FBI's raid on August 8, 2022, amid the investigation into Trump's alleged improper retention of classified documents. Following the raid, Special Counsel Jack Smith was appointed and eventually charged Trump with 37 felony counts, including willful retention of national defense information and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed Smith's case last month, ruling that Smith was unlawfully appointed and funded. Trump attorney Daniel Epstein filed the notice to sue, with the DOJ having 180 days to respond. If unresolved, the case will move to federal court in the Southern District of Florida.

Epstein claims that the DOJ's actions amounted to intrusion upon seclusion, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process. He argues that the DOJ and FBI deviated from standard protocols by not seeking consent from Trump or notifying his lawyers. Epstein also contends that Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray's decisions were rooted in political motivations rather than law enforcement practices.

Epstein further asserts that the DOJ's actions violated Florida privacy laws and led to significant legal costs for Trump. He is seeking punitive damages of $100 million and alleges that the case represents "clear election interference."